Midlands & East

Since 1994 we have awarded nearly £1.7bn to nearly 13,000 projects in Midlands & East.

The Midlands & East of England is steeped in rich heritage. The region is home to vibrant cities and cultural hubs, picturesque countryside and iconic waterways. Its varied history ranges from the birthplace of William Shakespeare to the industrial Black Country.

Get inspired: see below for some of the organisations and communities we have funded.

Contact us with your ideas or find out more about getting funding for your project.

Contact us

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We are fully operational and open for business, but we are conducting much of our day-to-day business remotely.

This means we are unable to access our post. In the interim, please send any items via email to your contact or via email: MidlandsandEast@heritagefund.org.uk.

Upcoming events

Our funding workshops and advice sessions are a great opportunity to find out about our funding, get tips on how to make a good application, and network with other organisations from your area. See our upcoming events below.

One-to-one funding advice sessions for Walsall

Our National Lottery Grants for Heritage programme is open, and we are looking for applications from Walsall, one of our Areas of Focus. Walsall has received less funding from us in the past, so we are providing extra support to help groups from the area apply for grants.

Book onto one of our free advice sessions if you would like to discuss your heritage project ideas and/or ask any questions. The advice sessions are online informal one-to-one chats with members of our Engagement Team. They can last up to 50 minutes and are available throughout the day.

You can book now via email:

Tuesday 1 February 2022

Tuesday 1 March 2022

Wickham Market community holding up a banner to save The George pub.

Wickham Market's community saving The George Community Pub. Credit: Julian Evans

News

A new lease of life for Wickham Market’s community pub

A grant of £988,200 has been awarded to The George pub in Wickham Market, Suffolk ⁠– a Grade II listed building which will serve as a thriving community hub.

20/12/2021

The current Lord Leycester Brethren. Credit: Kevin Fern

News

A new chapter for the Lord Leycester Hospital

National Lottery funding – announced ahead of Remembrance Sunday – means former soldiers and their stories will continue to have a historic home in Warwick.

11/11/2021

Projects

Roundhouse Birmingham: historical discovery, outdoor activities and urban enterprise

This iconic building has been brought back to life and is now inviting people to #SeeTheCityDifferently.

29/09/2017

Buxton Crescent. Credit: Ensana Hotels

Projects

Buxton Crescent & Spa

Buxton Crescent in Derbyshire reopened on 17 May 2021 following a major National Lottery funded restoration project.

24/07/2002

Aerial view of Plymouth coast with lighthouse and dramatic sunrise

Site of the new marine park at Plymouth. Credit: Chris Gorman/Big Ladder Photography

News

Heritage Horizon Awards: £50million to five life-changing projects

From the Scottish mountains to England's southwest coast, these big heritage ideas champion environmental, community and cultural heritage as part of our Heritage Horizon Awards.

13/07/2021

A person wearing a mask touches a creative display of glass jars

Getting work experience curating the 'Museum in a Jar' exhibition

Blogs

Kick the Dust Norfolk Journeys: helping young people into work

To celebrate World Youth Skills Day, discover how a heritage-themed work experience programme is helping young people to develop crucial skills and secure employment.

15/07/2021

News

£6.5million for heritage projects in Staffordshire, Peterborough and Dudley

The projects aim to preserve key heritage sites, and will benefit a diverse range of people – from the church community to the locals of Stafford town centre. History at the Heart of Community Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archives is receiving £3,964,000 for the History at the Heart of Community

02/07/2021

Two adults and two children smiling whilst using heritage ship's steering wheel

SS Great Britain is offering 1,000 free tickets to National Lottery players. Credit: Adam Gasson

News

Open up your heritage to new visitors during National Lottery Open Week 2022

Has your project received National Lottery funding? Sign up to National Lottery Open Week to say #ThanksToYou to players – and reach new visitors and supporters along the way.

26/01/2022

Four people standing inside Alexandra Palace, socially distanced with masks on

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston's visit to grantee Alexandra Palace. Credit: Lloyd Winters

News

The Culture Recovery Fund’s £15.5million festive boost for heritage

Nearly 140 heritage organisations across England will benefit from the government’s latest round of funding, helping to achieve financial sustainability for 2022.

17/12/2021

A blacksmith hitting metal, surrounded by a spray of sparks

News

Help us shape the future of heritage funding and strategy

We’re building a new research panel, bringing together people from across the heritage sector, to share views and knowledge and influence our work.

09/11/2021

News

£7million legacy for nature and communities for the Queen’s jubilee

Last updated: 21/1/2022 In June 2022, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. To mark the milestone, we’re committing £7m to help communities across the UK re-connect with nature and support young people to take their first step towards a career in natural heritage. "Not only will

17/11/2021